Color correction using a device-dependent display profile

ABSTRACT

A method includes obtaining a chromatic correction for a display device based on a device-dependent display profile. The method may ensure that images that appear on a display device in a soft proofing environment will be visually equivalent to images that appear on print media.

This is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 10/767,987 filed Jan.29, 2004.

THIS APPLICATION CLAIMS PRIORITY FROM U.S. PROVISIONAL APPLICATION SER.NO. 60/443,939, FILED JAN. 30,2003, THE ENTIRE CONTENT OF WHICH ISINCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.

FIELD

The invention relates to color imaging and, more particularly, totechniques for presentation of color images on display devices.

BACKGROUND

Color imaging devices use combinations of different device-dependentcoordinates to form color images for display or printout on media suchas paper or film. Many hardcopy printing devices use combinations ofcyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK) to form color imagery. Thesedevice-dependent coordinates of C, M, Y and K may be combined to form agamut of colorimetric values that the device is capable of producing.Display devices, such as cathode ray tubes (CRTs) or flat panelmonitors, may use the device-dependent coordinates of red, green, andblue (RGB). Some high-fidelity color imaging devices may use thedevice-dependent coordinates cyan, magenta, yellow, and black incombination with other coordinates such as orange and green. These andother device-dependent coordinate systems have been developed for usewith various color imaging devices.

Many different device-independent coordinate systems have been developedin an attempt to standardize color specification across differentdevices. For instance, the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage(CIE) has developed device-independent color spaces such as the L*a*b*color space (hereafter L*a*b* color space, L*a*b* space, or simplyL*a*b*) and the XYZ color space (hereafter XYZ color space, XYZ space,or simply XYZ). Moreover, several other organizations and individualshave developed other device-independent color spaces.

A point in a device-independent color space theoretically defines acolor value irrespective of any particular device coordinates. A pointin L*a*b* space or XYZ space, for instance, can be mapped to a point ina device gamut. That point in the device gamut, in turn, defines thedevice-dependent coordinates that will theoretically cause the device toproduce a color that is visually equivalent to that defined by the pointin L*a*b* space or XYZ space.

The term “soft proofing” refers to a proofing process that makes use ofa display device rather than a printed hard copy. Traditionally, colorproofing techniques have relied on “hard copy proofing,” where proofsare printed out on paper or other print media and inspected to ensurethat the images and colors look visually correct. For instance, colorcharacteristics can be adjusted and successive hard copy prints can beexamined in the hard copy proofing process. After determining that aparticular proof is acceptable, the color characteristics used to makethe acceptable proof can be reused to mass-produce, e.g., on a printingpress, large quantities of print media that look visually equivalent tothe acceptable proof.

Soft proofing is highly desirable for many reasons. For instance, softproofing can remove the need to print copies of the media during theproofing process. Moreover, soft proofing may allow multiple proofingspecialists to proof color images from remote locations simply bylooking at display devices, rather than awaiting delivery of hardcopies. Soft proofing can be faster and more convenient than hardproofing. Moreover, soft proofing can reduce the cost of the proofingprocess. For these and other reasons, soft proofing is highly desirable.

A major problem with soft proofing, however, is the difficulty inachieving a good visual match between the colors displayed on the softproofing display device and the colors that appear on the actual printedhard copy. As mentioned above, device-independent coordinatestheoretically standardize color specification. Thus, theoretically theCMYK device coordinates of a hard copy printout could be converted todevice-independent coordinates and then converted to RGB devicecoordinates. Also, theoretically the colors displayed using the RGBdevice coordinates would be visually equivalent to those of the hardcopy print out. In reality, however, the colors that appear on thedisplay may look different than those of the hard copy printout, eventhough the images displayed by the soft and hard copy media producesubstantially identical device-independent values. Soft proofing cannotwork effectively, and gain widespread adoption in the industry, if thecolors on the soft proofing display device do not provide an acceptablevisual match with the colors on hard copy printouts.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment a method comprises applying selective chromaticitycorrections to device-independent coordinates using at least onepiecewise linear correction function.

The piecewise linear correction function may operates on lineardevice-dependent coordinates associated with an output device.

The method may further comprise providing a group of piecewise linearcorrection functions, each group corresponding to a different region ofcolor in a device-dependent coordinate space associated with an outputdevice and applying each group of piecewise linear correction functionsto the device-independent coordinates in the corresponding regions ofcolor to perform chromaticity corrections to the device-independentcoordinates.

In another embodiment, a method comprises applying selectivechromaticity corrections to device-independent coordinates that definecolors in a visually non-uniform color space, wherein the chromaticitycorrections are based on linear correction functions of lineardevice-dependent coordinates, and wherein the chromaticity correctionsare applied to device-independent coordinates in a piecewise fashionbetween color boundaries to produce chromatically correcteddevice-independent coordinates.

In another embodiment, a method comprises determining chromaticitycorrections to device-independent coordinates corresponding to eachregion of color in a device-dependent coordinate space based on lineardevice-dependent coordinates and applying the chromaticity correctionsto the device-independent coordinates in the corresponding regions ofcolor to obtain corrected device-independent coordinates.

Determining chromaticity corrections may further comprises calculatingcorrection factors corresponding to each region of color that arepiecewise linear correction functions within the corresponding regionsof color.

In another embodiment, a method comprises determining a correction levelbased on desired changes in saturation, hue and brightness for chromaticcolors of a device-dependent color space associated with a displaydevice, calculating a correction factor based on a linear correctionfunction associated with the display device, and applying the correctionfactor and the correction level to device-independent coordinates thatdefine chromatic colors of a printing device to produce chromaticallycorrected device-independent coordinates.

In another embodiment, a system comprises a display device; and aprocessor coupled to the display, wherein the processor appliesselective chromaticity corrections to device-independent coordinatesusing at least one piecewise linear correction function.

In another embodiment, a system comprises a printing device, a displaydevice and a processor coupled to the printing device and the displaydevice, wherein the processor converts device-dependent coordinates thatdefine a color in the printing device to device-independent coordinates,applies chromaticity corrections to the device-independent coordinatesbased on a linear correction function of device-dependent coordinatesassociated with the printing device to produce correcteddevice-independent coordinates, and converts the correcteddevice-independent coordinates to device-dependent coordinates thatdefine a color in a display device associated with the device-dependentdisplay profile.

In another embodiment, the invention comprises a computer-readablemedium containing instructions for causing a processor to receive awhite point correction for a display device, determine chromaticitycorrections to device-independent coordinates corresponding to eachregion of color in a device-dependent coordinate space based on lineardevice-dependent coordinates, apply the white point correction to thedevice-independent coordinates, and apply the chromaticity correctionsto the device-independent coordinates in the corresponding regions ofcolor to obtain corrected device-independent coordinates.

In another embodiment, the invention comprises a computer-readablemedium containing instructions for causing a processor to convertdevice-dependent coordinates that define a color in a printing device todevice-independent coordinates, apply chromaticity corrections to thedevice-independent coordinates based on a linear correction function ofdevice-dependent coordinates associated with the printing device toproduce corrected device-independent coordinates, and convert thecorrected device-independent coordinates to device-dependent coordinatesthat define a color in a display device associated with thedevice-dependent display profile.

In still other embodiments, a method comprises obtaining a white pointcorrection for a display device, obtaining a first chromatic correctionfor the display device by determining a chromatic correction matrix,generating first corrected device-independent coordinates based on thewhite point correction and the first chromatic correction, determining asecond chromatic correction to the first set of correcteddevice-independent coordinates based on a linear correction function,and applying the second chromatic correction to the first correcteddevice-independent coordinates to produce second correcteddevice-independent coordinates.

Additional details of these and other embodiments are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objectsand advantages will become apparent from the description and drawings,and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-5 are flow diagrams according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary soft proofing system according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 7-13 are flow diagrams according to embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are representative illustrations of an RGB color space.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In exemplary embodiments, the invention comprises methods, systems andcomputer readable media carrying program code that facilitate softproofing. The invention may implement one or more transformationtechniques to transform color coordinates between hard copy and softcopy proofing environments. The transformation techniques ensure thatcolor images that appear on a display device will be a visuallyacceptable match to color images that appear on print media.

The ultimate goal of soft proofing technology is to facilitate theaccurate rendering of color images on a display device. In other words,soft proofing technology seeks to display color images on a displaydevice that are a “visually acceptable match,” “visually equivalent,” ora “good visual match” to color images on print media. Two images are“visually equivalent” if their empirical delta E error is approximatelyequal to, or less than 1. A good visual match occurs when a persontrained in color management cannot visually identify a differencebetween the color values of two color images. A visually acceptablematch is a match that is acceptable in a soft proofing environment.

As mentioned, two images are “visually equivalent” if their empiricaldelta E error is approximately equal to, or less than 1. By way ofexample, the value of empirical delta E can be determined for a singlecolor by displaying an RGB color on a CRT. A hard copy of the color canbe placed adjacent to the CRT for comparison. Several operators trainedin color management can compare the color on the hard copy to that onthe CRT, and can adjust the RGB value of the color on the CRT so thecolor on the CRT matches that of the hard copy. If necessary, effects ofscattered light can be eliminated by viewing and comparing the twocolors through a telescopic-like tube. If the average of the correctionsdetermined by the operators is near zero for R, G, and B, the CRT andhard copy colors may be said to have an empirical delta E that is nearzero. If the average deltas are non-zero, the empirical delta E can bedetermined by converting RGB to L*a*b* using the display ICC profile forthe original RGB and the average adjusted RGB. The delta E can then becomputed from the L*a*b* values.

Imaging devices include printing devices and display devices. Printingdevices may include, for example, laser printers, ink jet printers,thermal imagers, dot matrix printers, printing presses or any otherdevice capable of printing to tangible media such as paper or film.Display devices include cathode ray tubes (CRTs), liquid crystaldisplays (LCDs) and other flat screen displays, digital paper,electronic ink displays, and any other device capable of renderingimages from electronic input signals or data.

Typically, printing devices and display devices both make use ofdevice-dependent coordinates to define color. Printing devices, forinstance, typically use CMYK or CMYKOG coordinates to define color, andtherefore, printing devices may have an associated CMYK gamut or CMYKOGgamut defining the color capabilities of the printing device. Manydisplay devices currently use RGB coordinates to define color, andtherefore, typically have an associated RGB gamut that defines the colorcapabilities of the display device. A CRT display device, for instance,makes use of different combinations of red, green and blue phosphorsthat can display colors within the RGB gamut of the device.

The visual appearance of a color, however, is also dependent onilluminant conditions. For instance, the same printout may lookdifferent when viewed under different lighting. For this reason, theilluminant condition is generally a fixed variable when comparing colorsdefined by one or more color spaces. The illuminant condition isimportant in both hard copy and soft proofing environments.

Experimental research has uncovered an apparent breakdown in colorscience as defined by the CIE standards. In particular, a display deviceand printing device can produce color images that have the same measuredXYZ coordinates, yet the images can look visually different. Forexample, CRT displays that are calibrated to a D50 illuminant conditionlook yellow when compared to printed images with the same XYZcoordinates viewed in a D50 illuminant condition.

Theoretically, images with the same measured XYZ coordinates shouldappear to be identical. Unfortunately, it appears that this is notnecessarily the case for a visual comparison of hard copy and softimages. Thus, to achieve color matching between images on a displaydevice and images printed on hard copy media that is of “proofingquality,” i.e., a visually acceptable match, visually equivalent or agood visual match, transformation of the XYZ coordinates in accordancewith the invention may be necessary.

First Method Transformation

A first method transformation for transforming color coordinates betweenhard copy and soft copy proofing environments will now be described.This first method transformation is also described in the copending andcommonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/808,875, filedMar. 15, 2001, the entire content of which is incorporated herein byreference. The first method transformation techniques may be used incombination with the second method transformation techniques describedherein below to ensure that color images that appear on a display devicewill be a visually acceptable match to color images that appear on printmedia.

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a first method transformationprocess according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1,a first set of device-dependent coordinates are converted todevice-independent coordinates (11). The device-independent coordinatesare then transformed (12). The transformed device-independentcoordinates are then converted to a second set of device-dependentcoordinates (13). The process of FIG. 1, for instance, can be performedon all of the pixels in a color image so that the output of a secondimaging device, e.g., a display, looks visually equivalent to the outputof a first imaging device, e.g., a printer.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating one implementation of the firstmethod transformation process of FIG. 1. As shown, the image data of ahard copy CMYK image is converted from CMYK coordinates to XYZcoordinates (21). The XYZ coordinates are then transformed to X′Y′Z′(22). These transformed X′Y′Z′ coordinates can then be converted to RGBcoordinates (23) for presentation on a display device for soft proofing.In this manner, the output of a display device using the RGB coordinatescan be made to be visually equivalent to a hard copy printed with theCMYK coordinates.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a general process that can be implemented totransform device-independent coordinates. As shown, a white point iscorrected (31) and then chromatic colors are corrected (32). Bifurcatingthe transformation process in this manner can yield accurate colormatching results.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the first set of device-independentcoordinates may be associated with a first device. For instance, thefirst device may be printer that prints color images according to a CMYKgamut. The color image may be comprised of a collection ofdevice-dependent coordinates that define the colors of the points in theimage.

For example, an image may be comprised of image data that includes alarge collection of CMYK coordinates. Each of these coordinates can beconverted to device-independent coordinates (11), and then transformed(12). Each transformed coordinate may then be converted to form a secondset of device-dependent coordinates (13).

The second set of device-dependent coordinates, for example, may beassociated with a second imaging device. For instance, if the secondimaging device is a display device such as a CRT, the second set ofdevice-dependent coordinates may be a collection of RGB coordinates.Each RGB coordinate can be generated from the transformed coordinates.

The transformation operation (12) is important in obtaining accuratecolor matching. Transformation (12) adjusts device-independentcoordinates to ensure that the output on a display device, for example,looks substantially the same as the print out of a printer. While thistransformation may be “theoretically” unnecessary, given thewidely-accepted CIE color equations, the general breakdown in colorscience discussed above mandates the use of this transformation,especially in the field of soft proofing where color matching iscritical. Thus, the invention compensates for color matchingdeficiencies that arise in the conventional XYZ transformations in thecontext of hard copy to soft copy matching.

Referring again to FIG. 3, a bifurcated transformation ofdevice-independent coordinates is illustrated. By way of example, thewhite point of a display device can be corrected (31) by starting with aknown illuminant condition such as D50. For instance, a white surfacecan be placed in a viewing booth having D50 lighting to define a whitepoint. Reflectance of the white surface can be measured in terms ofdevice-independent coordinates such as L*a*b*. At this point, a whitearea with the same L*a*b* values can be created and displayed on adisplay device using commercially available software such as Adobe®PhotoShop®, available from Adobe Systems, Inc. of San Jose, Calif. Next,the x and y chromaticities of the white point on the display device canbe adjusted until the white image on the display device and the whiteimage in the viewing booth are either visually equivalent, a good visualmatch, or a visually acceptable match. The adjustments to the x and ychromaticities of the white point should be noted. Having made theadjustments, the display device may be categorized as being calibratedto a “visual D50” white point. In this case, the white points presentedby the display and hard copy produce slightly different XYZ values, butappear to be a visual match.

After correcting the white point (31), the chromatic colors may becorrected (32). The correction to the chromatic colors, for example, maybe categorized as a correction to the saturated colors in the devicegamut. For instance, if the correction is being applied to a CRT definedby an RGB gamut, the correction to the chromatic colors may be anadjustment to the R, G, and B chromaticities.

In one example, the correction to the chromatic colors involves firstdetermining correction values. To do this, a CMYK image should beconverted to digital form. For example, a CMYK image can be converted toAdobeRGB(D50) using absolute rendering intent with an accurateMatchprint™ profile as measured by a spectrophotometer, i.e., a profilefor the output of an Imation Matchprint™ laser proofer commerciallyavailable from Imation Corp. of Oakdale, Minn. Optimally, the image usedfor comparison should contain 100% solids and overprints of C, M, Y, R(e.g., M+Y), G (e.g., C+Y), and B (e.g., C+M), although the invention isnot limited in that respect. At this point, the RGB working space shouldbe set to AdobeRGB(D50). The digital image can be compared to the CMYKMatchprint™ hard copy in a viewing station and the R, G, and Bchromaticities of the AdobeRGB(D50) working space can be adjusted untileither a visually acceptable match or a good visual match is achieved,or until the two images are visually equivalent. Again, the adjustmentsto the R, G, and B chromaticities of the display device working spaceshould be noted.

FIG. 4 is another flow diagram according to an embodiment of theinvention. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates one method that can beimplemented to correct a white point in a soft proofing setting. Asshown, an RGB working space is first set to the hard copy illuminantcondition (41). Again, for example, the illuminant condition may be aD50 illuminant condition.

After setting the illuminant condition in the RGB working space (41), anRGB soft copy of white can be displayed next to a CMYK hard copy ofwhite (42). For example, a white area with the same L*a*b* values asthat of a white CMYK hard copy can be created in the RGB working spaceand displayed next to the CMYK hard copy. The illuminant conditionilluminating the CMYK hard copy should still be D50. The soft copy ofwhite can then be visually compared to the hard copy white (43).

Having compared the hard copy white to the soft copy white, the maximumphosphor settings on the display device can be adjusted to achieve avisual match between the hard copy and soft copy (44). The phosphorsettings can be incrementally adjusted by a user, for instance, untilthe white that appears on the display looks the same as the white on thehard copy. Once a visual match of white is achieved, the amount ofadjustment to the phosphor settings can be documented (45).

FIG. 5 is another flow diagram according to an embodiment of theinvention. As shown, a CMYK image is converted to RGB coordinates (51).For example, a CMYK image can be converted to AdobeRGB(D50) usingabsolute rendering intent with an accurate Matchprint™ profile asmeasured by a spectrophotometer, i.e., a profile for the output of anImation Matchprint™ laser proofer commercially available from ImationCorp. of Oakdale, Minn. Optimally, the image should contain 100% solidsand overprints of C, M, Y, R, G, and B, although the invention is notlimited in that respect.

After converting the CMYK image to RGB, the working space can be setaccording to the hard copy illuminant condition (52). For example if thehard copy illuminant condition is D50, the RGB working space should beset to AdobeRGB(D50). Once the working space is set (52), the phosphorsettings of the display can be adjusted to correspond to a visual whitepoint (53). FIG. 4, for example, illustrates an appropriate method fordetermining a visual white point of a display.

At this point, an RGB soft copy of the image can be displayed next to aCMYK hard copy of the image (54). Again, the CMYK hard copy should stillbe illuminated with a D50 illuminant. The hard copy of the image canthen be visually compared to the soft copy of the image (55). A viewingstation, for example, may be implemented to ensure that D50 illuminantconditions are achieved when the soft copy is compared to the hard copy.

The R, G, and B chromaticities of the AdobeRGB(D50) working space can beadjusted to achieve a visual match between the hard copy and the softcopy of the image (56). For instance, the chromaticities of theAdobeRGB(D50) working space can be incrementally adjusted by a useruntil the colors that appear on the display look the same as the colorson the hard copy. The adjustments to the chromaticities can then bedocumented (57).

Having determined and documented the corrections to the white point andthe chromaticities, the transformation can be repeated by inputting thecorrection values into a mathematical framework as outlined below.Moreover, after performing the mathematical transformation from XYZ toX′Y′Z′ outlined below, a new profile such as an ICC profile can becreated to allow CMYK images rendered with the corrected ICC profile tolook the same as the RCGB images that were visually corrected bymodifying the AdobeRGB chromaticities. An ICC profile would conform toexisting specifications published by the International Color Consortium(ICC) for characterization of device characteristics.

One implementation of the first method transformation uses matrixalgebra to realize very accurate matching results. The total resultingXYZ to X′Y′Z′ correction transform can be described as follows:$\begin{pmatrix}X_{Corr} \\Y_{Corr} \\Z_{Corr}\end{pmatrix} = {{M_{Corr}\begin{pmatrix}X \\Y \\Z\end{pmatrix}} = {{M_{1}\left( {{\Delta\quad x_{D\quad 50}},{\Delta\quad y_{D\quad 50}}} \right)}{M_{2}\left( {{\Delta\quad x_{r}},{\Delta\quad y_{r}},{\Delta\quad x_{g}},{\Delta\quad y_{g}},{\Delta\quad x_{b}},{\Delta\quad y_{b}}} \right)}\begin{pmatrix}X \\Y \\Z\end{pmatrix}}}$where the first matrix M₁ performs a correction to XYZ with regard tothe white point and M₂ performs a correction to the chromaticities.

The M₁ correction effectively rescales the maximum R, G, and Bintensities of phosphors in a display device such that the white pointof the display device at RGB(max) measures x_(D50)+Δx_(D50),y_(D50)+Δy_(D50) rather than x_(D50), y_(D50). The variables Δx_(D50)and Δy_(D50) modify the theoretical D50 white point to account forvisible differences. Thus, x_(D50)+Δx_(D50), y_(D50)+Δy_(D50) define thevisual white point.

The M₂ correction modifies the XYZ values such that the saturated colorsof the display device measure x_(r2)+Δx_(r2), y_(r2)+Δy_(r2);x_(g2)+Δx_(g2), y_(g2)+Δ_(g2); and x_(b2)+Δx_(b2), y_(b2)+Δy_(b2),rather then x_(r2), y_(r2); x_(g2), y_(g2); and x_(b2), y_(b2). The setsof variables Δx_(r2), Δy_(r2); Δx_(g2), Δy_(g2); and Δx_(b2), Δy_(b2)modify the theoretical RGB chromaticities to account for visibledifferences.

The white point correction matrix Ml can be written as:M₁(Δ  x_(D  50), Δ  y_(D  50)) = M(x_(r₁), y_(r₁), x_(g₁), y_(g₁), x_(b₁), y_(b₁), x_(D  50) + Δ  x_(D  50), y_(D  50) + Δ  y_(D  50))M⁻¹(x_(r₁), y_(r₁), x_(g₁), y_(g₁), x_(b₁), y_(b₁), x_(D  50), y_(D  50))M₁(Δ  x_(D  50), Δ  y_(D  50)) = M(x_(D  50) + Δ  x_(D  50), y_(D  50) + Δ  y_(D  50))M⁻¹(x_(D  50), y_(D  50))

Although the matrix M is actually a function of RGB chromaticities andwhite point chromaticities, the notation has been simplified to indicatethat the only parameters that are varying are the corrections to thewhite point. The RGB chromaticities can be considered constant whencalculating the white point correction matrix M₁.

The matrix M defines the conversion from linear RGB space with a set ofRGB phosphors to measured XYZ for a particular CRT display that is setto a measured white point of chromaticity x, y. The values of theΔx_(D50) and Δy_(D50) indicate the visual correction required to thechromaticity of D50 necessary to match the display device to a neutralwhite reflector illuminated in a viewing station with D50 illuminant.

To define M as a function of just chromaticities the expression beginsas a description of matrix M in terms of the measured tristimulus valuesX, Y, and Z for R, G. and B. The values of XYZ relate to chromaticityvalues x, y according to the equations:X=xY/yZ=zY/y=(1−x−y)Y/yThus, $\quad{\begin{pmatrix}X \\Y \\Z\end{pmatrix} = {M\begin{pmatrix}R \\G \\B\end{pmatrix}}}$ $\quad{M = \begin{pmatrix}X_{r} & X_{g} & X_{b} \\Y_{r} & Y_{g} & Y_{b} \\Z_{r} & Z_{g} & Z_{b}\end{pmatrix}}$${M\left( {x_{r_{1}},y_{r_{1}},z_{r_{1}},Y_{r_{1}},x_{g_{1}},y_{g_{1}},z_{g_{1}},Y_{g_{1}},x_{b_{1}},y_{b_{1}},z_{b_{1}},Y_{b_{1}}} \right)} = \begin{pmatrix}{\left( {x_{r_{1}}/y_{r\quad 1}} \right)Y_{r_{1}}} & {\left( {x_{g_{1}}/y_{g_{1}}} \right)Y_{g_{1}}} & {\left( {x_{b_{1}}/y_{b_{1}}} \right)Y_{b_{1}}} \\{\left( {y_{r_{1}}/y_{r_{1}}} \right)Y_{r_{1}}} & {\left( {y_{g_{1}}/y_{g_{1}}} \right)Y_{g_{1}}} & {\left( {y_{b_{1}}/y_{b_{1}}} \right)Y_{b_{1}}} \\{\left( {z_{r_{1}}/y_{r_{1}}} \right)Y_{r_{1}}} & {\left( {z_{g_{1}}/y_{g_{1}}} \right)Y_{g_{1}}} & {\left( {z_{b_{1}}/y_{b_{1}}} \right)/Y_{b_{1}}}\end{pmatrix}$${M\left( {x_{r_{1}},y_{r_{1}},z_{r_{1}},Y_{r_{1}},x_{g_{1}},y_{g_{1}},z_{g_{1}},Y_{g_{1}},x_{b_{1}},y_{b_{1}},z_{b_{1}},Y_{b_{1}}} \right)} = {{M_{c}\left( {x_{r_{1}},y_{r_{1}},z_{r_{1}},x_{g_{1}},y_{g_{1}},z_{g_{1}},x_{b_{1}},y_{b_{1}},z_{b_{1}}} \right)}\begin{pmatrix}Y_{r_{1}} & 0 & 0 \\0 & Y_{g_{1}} & 0 \\0 & 0 & Y_{b_{1}}\end{pmatrix}}$

where M_(c) is a chromaticity matrix given by:${M_{c}\left( {x_{r_{1}},y_{r_{1}},z_{r_{1}},x_{g_{1}},y_{g_{1}},z_{g_{1}},x_{b_{1}},y_{b_{1}},z_{b_{1}}} \right)} = \begin{pmatrix}{x_{r_{1}}/y_{r_{1}}} & {x_{g_{1}}/y_{g}} & {x_{b}/y_{b_{1}}} \\{y_{r_{1}}/y_{r_{1}}} & {y_{g_{1}}/y_{g_{1}}} & {y_{b_{1}}/y_{b_{1}}} \\{z_{r_{1}}/y_{r_{1}}} & {z_{g_{1}}/y_{g_{1}}} & {z_{b_{1}}/y_{b_{1}}}\end{pmatrix}$

The chromaticity matrix M_(c) can be further reduced to a function ofjust the x, y chromaticities for R, G, and B as follows:${M_{c}\left( {x_{r_{1}},y_{r_{1}},x_{g_{1}},y_{g_{1}},x_{b_{1}},y_{b_{1}}} \right)} = \begin{pmatrix}{x_{r_{1}}/y_{r_{1}}} & {x_{g_{1}}/y_{g_{1}}} & {x_{b_{1}}/y_{b_{1}}} \\1 & 1 & 1 \\{\left( {1 - x_{r_{1}} - y_{r_{1}}} \right)/y_{r_{1}}} & {\left( {1 - x_{g_{1}} - y_{g_{1}}} \right)y_{g_{1}}} & {\left( {1 - x_{b_{1}} - y_{b_{1}}} \right)/y_{b_{1}}}\end{pmatrix}$

If the RGB chromaticities are fixed, the chromaticity matrix M_(c) is afixed matrix.

In order to obtain the matrix M as a function of the chromaticity matrixM_(c) and the white point chromaticities, the equations can be solved asfollows: $\begin{pmatrix}X_{wp} \\Y_{wp} \\Z_{wp}\end{pmatrix} = {M\begin{pmatrix}{R = 1} \\{G = 1} \\{B = 1}\end{pmatrix}}$ $\begin{pmatrix}X_{wp} \\Y_{wp} \\Z_{wp}\end{pmatrix} = {{M_{c}\begin{pmatrix}Y_{r_{1}} & 0 & 0 \\0 & Y_{g_{1}} & 0 \\0 & 0 & Y_{b_{1}}\end{pmatrix}}\begin{pmatrix}{R = 1} \\{G = 1} \\{B = 1}\end{pmatrix}}$ $\begin{pmatrix}X_{wp} \\Y_{wp} \\Z_{wp}\end{pmatrix} = {M_{c}\begin{pmatrix}Y_{r_{1}} \\Y_{g_{1}} \\Y_{b_{1}}\end{pmatrix}}$ $\begin{pmatrix}Y_{r_{1}} \\Y_{g_{1}} \\Y_{b_{1}}\end{pmatrix} = {M_{c}^{- 1}\begin{pmatrix}X_{wp} \\Y_{wp} \\Z_{wp}\end{pmatrix}}$

This equation can be expressed as a function of white pointchromaticities: $\begin{pmatrix}{Y_{r_{1}}\left( {x_{wp},y_{wp}} \right)} \\{Y_{g_{1}}\left( {x_{wp},y_{wp}} \right)} \\{Y_{b_{1}}\left( {x_{wp},y_{wp}} \right)}\end{pmatrix} = {M_{c}^{- 1}\begin{pmatrix}{x_{wp}/y_{wp}} \\1 \\{\left( {1 - x_{wp} - y_{wp}} \right)/y_{wp}}\end{pmatrix}}$

Thus the resulting equation for M is a function of RGB and white pointchromaticities only. By assuming that the RGB chromaticities are fixed,this becomes a function of white point only:${M\left( {x_{r_{1}},y_{r_{1}},x_{g_{1}},y_{g_{1}},x_{b_{1}},y_{b_{1}},x_{wp},y_{wp}} \right)} = {{M_{c}\left( {x_{r_{1}},y_{r_{1}},x_{g_{1}},y_{g_{1}},x_{b_{1}},y_{b_{1}}} \right)}\begin{pmatrix}{Y_{r_{1}}\left( {x_{wp},y_{wp}} \right)} & 0 & 0 \\0 & {Y_{g_{1}}\left( {x_{wp},y_{wp}} \right)} & 0 \\0 & 0 & {Y_{b_{1}}\left( {x_{wp},y_{wp}} \right)}\end{pmatrix}}$

Hence, the expression used to determine the white point correctionmatrix Ml can be expressed as:${M\left( {x_{wp},y_{wp}} \right)} = {M_{c}\begin{pmatrix}{Y_{r_{1}}\left( {x_{wp},y_{wp}} \right)} & 0 & 0 \\0 & {Y_{g_{1}}\left( {x_{wp},y_{wp}} \right)} & 0 \\0 & 0 & {Y_{b_{1}}\left( {x_{wp},y_{wp}} \right)}\end{pmatrix}}$

The chromatic correction matrix M₂, i.e., the saturated color correctionmatrix or RGB chromaticity correction matrix can be determined in amanner similar to the way the white point correction matrix M₁ wasdetermined above. However, to determine and reduce the expression of M₂,the white point chromaticities are assumed fixed and the RGBchromaticities are the variables.

The white point correction matrix M₁ can be applied to correct errorsbetween a theoretical white point of a display device and the empiricalwhite point, e.g., a visual white point. The chromatic correction matrixM₂ can be applied to correct the remaining errors in the saturatedcolors. In other words the M₂ matrix can correct errors between thetheoretical values of saturated colors and empirically or visuallymeasured values of the saturated colors. The M₂ matrix can be applied toadjust a physical monitor, or alternatively, can be applied to adjust aworking space such as AdobeRGB or sRGB.

For instance, if the chromatic correction M₂ matrix will be applied toadjust a working space, it can be expressed as:${M_{2}\left( {{\Delta\quad x_{r}},{\Delta\quad y_{r}},{\Delta\quad x_{g}},{\Delta\quad y_{g}},{\Delta\quad x_{b}},{\Delta\quad y_{b}}} \right)} = {{M\begin{pmatrix}{{x_{r_{2}} + {\Delta\quad x_{r_{2}}}},{y_{r_{2}} + {\Delta\quad y_{r_{2}}}},{x_{g_{2}} + {\Delta\quad x_{g_{2}}}},{y_{g_{2}} +}} \\{{\Delta\quad y_{g_{2}}},{x_{b_{2}} + {\Delta\quad x_{b_{2}}}},{y_{b_{2}} + {\Delta\quad y_{b_{2}}}},x_{wp},y_{wp}}\end{pmatrix}} \times {M^{- 1}\left( {x_{r_{2}},y_{r_{2}},x_{g_{2}},y_{g_{2}},x_{b_{2}},y_{b_{2}},x_{wp},y_{wp}} \right)}}$where x_(wp),y_(wp) are assumed to be x_(D50),y_(D50), andx_(r2),y_(r2), x_(g2),yg_(g2), and x_(b2),y_(b2) are the chromaticitiesof the RGB working space.

The white point correction, the chromatic correction, or both, can bestored in a color profile. A color profile is a data structure thatdescribes the color characteristics of a particular device. Colorprofiles typically include color information such as informationdescribing how the device converts from device-independent coordinatesto device-dependent coordinates. By storing either the correctionvariables or redefining the color profile to include transformationslike those described above, the color profile can enhance and improvesoft proofing systems. To achieve compatibility with existing systemsand standards, a profile can include and yet hide the transformationdata. For instance, an ICC profile including transformation dataassociated with rescaling of the RGB phosphors, for example, may stillbe characterized by a true D50 white point x_(D50), y_(D50) in theprofile. In actuality however, the white point may in fact measurex_(D50)+Δx_(D50), y_(D50)+Δy_(D50) and XYZ values for RGB derived fromthe actual measured RGB chromaticities. When a system implements theprofile, an accurate color match can be achieved.

From a somewhat broader perspective, the first method transformation maycomprise a multi-step transformation of device-independent coordinates.While experimental results have shown that the bifurcated transformationtechnique outlined above yields good color matching results, thetransformation process could be broken up even further. Moreover, thetransformation could be implemented in device-independent color spacesother than an XYZ color space. Referring again to the XYZ example,however, a more general correction can be represented by the equation:$\begin{pmatrix}X_{Corr} \\Y_{Corr} \\Z_{Corr}\end{pmatrix} = {{M_{Corr}\begin{pmatrix}X \\Y \\Z\end{pmatrix}} = {{M_{1}\left( {{\Delta\quad x_{1}},{\Delta\quad y_{1}}} \right)}{M_{2}\left( {{\Delta\quad x_{2}},{\Delta\quad y_{2}}} \right)}\quad\ldots\quad{M_{n}\left( {{\Delta\quad x_{n}},{\Delta\quad y_{n}}} \right)}\begin{pmatrix}X \\Y \\Z\end{pmatrix}}}$

The matrices M₁-M_(n) may make the corrections to differentchromaticities. By way of example, M₁ could correct white pointchromaticity, M₂ could correct red chromaticity, M₃ could correct greenchromaticity, M₄ could correct blue chromaticity, and so forth.

In general, each matrix in the collection of matrices M₁-M_(n) can bedescribed as follows. If you let M_(Component Transform) (M_(CT))represent any matrix in the set of matrices {M₁-M_(n)}, thenM_(CT)=(M_(Experimental)) (M_(Theoretical))⁻¹. The matrixM_(Theoretical) defines the conversion from device-dependent space todevice-independent space according to the theories of color science. Thematrix M_(Experimental) defines the conversion from device-dependentspace to device-independent space according to experimental results suchas visual comparison. If the theories of color science are empiricallyrobust, then M_(Theoretical) will be the same as M_(Experimental), and(M_(Experimental)) (M_(Theoretical))⁻¹ will yield an M_(CT) that is anidentity matrix. However, if the theories of color science break downand M_(Theoretical) is not the same as M_(Experimental), M_(CT) will notbe an identity matrix; but rather, M_(CT) will be the transform matrixfor yielding a color match for that respective chromaticity.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary soft proofing system according to anembodiment of the invention. A soft proofing system suitable forimplementation of techniques for color transformation using the firstmethod transformation described above and/or the second methodtransformation described below can include one or more proofing stations62A-62D. Each proofing station 62A-62D, for example may include aprocessor, a user input device, a display monitor, memory, a storagedevice and a printer. The proofing stations may substantially conform toconventional computer systems used by graphic artists and other users inthe creation of textual and graphic imagery for electronic display orprint reproduction. A memory/bus controller and system bus coupleprocessor and memory, while one or more I/O controllers and I/O buscouple the processor and memory to user input device, display monitor,storage device, and printer.

The processor may take the form of a general purpose microprocessor andcan be integrated with or form part of a PC, Macintosh, computerworkstation, hand-held data terminal, palm computer, digital paper, orthe like. The user input device may include a conventional keyboard andpointing device such as a mouse, pen, or trackball, if desired. Themonitor may include a CRT, flat panel display, or the like, thatdisplays textual and/or graphic information to the user. The memory mayinclude random access memory (RAM) storing program code that is accessedand executed by processor to carry out both the first and second methodtransformation techniques.

The program code can be loaded into the memory from a storage device,which may take the form of a fixed hard drive or removable media driveassociated with the system. For example, the program code can beinitially carried on computer-readable media such as magnetic, optical,magneto-optic, phase-change, or other disk or tape media. Alternatively,the program code may be loaded into memory from electroniccomputer-readable media such as EEPROM, or downloaded over a networkconnection. If downloaded, the program code may be initially embedded ina carrier wave or otherwise transmitted on an electromagnetic signal.The program code may be embodied as a feature in an application programproviding a wide range of functionality.

Soft proofing system 60 may also include soft proofing color managementcontrol 65 coupled to the respective proofing stations 62A-62D. The softproofing color management control 65, for example, may input image datato the respective proofing stations 62A-62D. The image data, for examplemay be transformed by color management control 65, before being sent toproofing stations 62A-62D. Alternatively, image data may be transformedby each respective proofing station 62A-62D after being sent from thecolor management control 65.

Soft proofing system 60 may also be associated with at least oneprinting device 68 such as a printing press. In operation, soft proofingsystem 60 may generate a color image at the respective proofing stations62A-62D. Color specialists may inspect the image at respective proofingstations 62A-62D and the visual appearance of the image may be adjustedto their liking according to the first method transformation describedabove. In addition, the image may be further chromatically correctedusing the second method transformation described below. Once the imagelooks acceptable at the proofing stations 62A-62D, printing device 68may be used to mass print large quantities print media that lookvisually equivalent to the image displayed at the proofing stations62A-62D. Importantly, implementing the techniques and teachings of thefirst method transformation described above and the second methodtransformation described below can help ensure that the images printedby printing device 68 will appear visually equivalent to the images thatappear at the proofing stations 62A-62D.

An accurate soft proofing system can be realized based on the assumptionthat a simple matrix-based correction to XYZ will result in a goodcorrelation between CRT displays and reflective hard copies. Thiscorrection can either be formulated as correcting hard copy XYZ valuesto the corresponding CRT XYZ values: $\begin{pmatrix}X_{CRT} \\Y_{CRT} \\Z_{CRT}\end{pmatrix} = {{M_{{HC}->{CRT}}\begin{pmatrix}X_{HC} \\Y_{HC} \\Z_{HC}\end{pmatrix}} = {{M_{1}\left( {{\Delta\quad x_{D\quad 50}},{\Delta\quad y_{D\quad 50}}} \right)}{M_{2}\left( {{\Delta\quad x_{r}},{\Delta\quad y_{r}},{\Delta\quad x_{g}},{\Delta\quad y_{g}},{\Delta\quad x_{b}},{\Delta\quad y_{b}}} \right)}\begin{pmatrix}X_{HC} \\Y_{HC} \\Z_{HC}\end{pmatrix}}}$

or correcting CRT XYZ values to the corresponding hard copy XYZ values:$\begin{pmatrix}X_{HC} \\Y_{HC} \\Z_{HC}\end{pmatrix} = {{M_{{HC}->{CRT}}^{- 1}\begin{pmatrix}X_{HC} \\Y_{HC} \\Z_{HC}\end{pmatrix}} = {{M_{2}^{- 1}\left( {{\Delta\quad x_{r}},{\Delta\quad y_{r}},{\Delta\quad x_{g}},{\Delta\quad y_{g}},{\Delta\quad x_{b}},{\Delta\quad y_{b}}} \right)}{M_{1}^{- 1}\left( {{\Delta\quad x_{D\quad 50}},{\Delta\quad y_{D\quad 50}}} \right)}\begin{pmatrix}X_{CRT} \\Y_{CRT} \\Z_{CRT}\end{pmatrix}}}$

The examples below illustrate ways in which this first methodtransformation can be used.

EXAMPLE 1

The matrix M_(HC->CRT) ⁻¹ can be applied automatically in the driversoftware or EPROM of the device that measures XYZ (or equivalent)measurement data. Thus, all analog and digital settings of the CRT (mostnotably the white point or color temperature setting) will automaticallycorrelate well to the illuminant chosen for viewing reflective images.Furthermore, all measured XYZ data will be automatically corrected. Ifthe measurement device is used to set a D50 white point on the CRT, thenan ICC profile can be generated in the standard manner. A good visualmatch between CRT and hard copy will occur.

Some color measurement tools such as Kodak ColorFlow™ and Gretag-MacbethProfileMaker™ measure 100% R, G, B, and a series of gray colors rangingfrom black to white. In addition, other ICC tools may measure extracombinations of RGB color values. The most common result is a simplematrix/TRC profile based directly on the XYZ measured data. In the casewhere the CRT is not set to a D50 white point, a chromatic adoption canbe applied to the data in order to adjust it to D50.

These measurement tools, however, are hampered by the fact that the XYZdata of the CRT is not visually consistent with the XYZ data measuredfor other media. Thus, to achieve a good visual match between devicesand media, the M_(HC->CRT) ⁻¹ matrix can be applied automatically to theCRT XYZ data. This conversion can be applied for all situationsinvolving measurement, including specifications of CRT's and control ofCRTs, relative to the hard copy.

Suppliers of operating systems and/or CRT hardware can implement thecurrent invention to achieve good visual matches between their CRTs andvarious printers. For instance, a good visual match can be achieved byfirst correcting all XYZ data used to define the automatic CRT setupconditions (such as white point or color temperature) using theM_(HC->CRT) ⁻¹ matrix. Second, using the M_(HC->CRT) ⁻¹ matrix, all XYZdata used to generate the ICC profiles can be corrected automatically tocharacterize the CRT for a particular setup condition.

In other words, the current invention can be used to redefine of the CIEspecification for color with respect to CRTs. Moreover, thisredefinition can be used for any color metric, including specificallysoft proofing applications.

EXAMPLE 2

The matrix M_(HC->CRT) ⁻¹ can be applied to the XYZ values of theilluminant for hard copy (e.g. D50) in order to derive the correspondingCRT white point values in XYZ for the CRT: $\begin{pmatrix}X_{CRT} \\Y_{CRT} \\Z_{CRT}\end{pmatrix} = {{M_{{HC}->{CRT}}\begin{pmatrix}X_{HC} \\Y_{HC} \\Z_{HC}\end{pmatrix}} = {{M_{{HC}->{CRT}}\begin{pmatrix}X_{D\quad 50} \\Y_{D\quad 50} \\Z_{D\quad 50}\end{pmatrix}} = {M_{{HC}->{CRT}}\begin{pmatrix}0.9642 \\1.000 \\0.8249\end{pmatrix}}}}$

The uncorrected ICC profile for the CRT can be constructed from thecombination of chromaticity and white point values for the CRT.${M\left( {x_{r_{1}},y_{r_{1}},x_{g_{1}},y_{g_{1}},x_{b_{1}},y_{b_{1}},x_{wp},y_{wp}} \right)} = {{M_{c}\left( {x_{r_{1}},y_{r_{1}},x_{g_{1}},y_{g_{1}},x_{b_{1}},y_{b_{1}}} \right)}\begin{pmatrix}{Y_{r_{1}}\left( {x_{wp},y_{wp}} \right)} & 0 & 0 \\0 & {Y_{g_{1}}\left( {x_{wp},y_{wp}} \right)} & 0 \\0 & 0 & {Y_{b_{1}}\left( {x_{wp},y_{wp}} \right)}\end{pmatrix}}$

The corrected matrix can then be calculated by simply applying thetransform to convert from CRT XYZ to hard copy XYZ and then re-computingthe chromaticity values in the expression above. Alternatively, thecorrection can be separated into a white point correction and chromaticcorrection.

If the CRT has been set physically to a corrected visual white point(e.g. M_(HC->CRT) (XYZD_(D50))), then by definition the corrected valuesof CRT white point chromaticities x_(wp),y_(wp) going from CRT to hardcopy will be x_(D50),y_(D50). This is because the corrected values ofXYZ (going from CRT back to HC) will be D50 for the CRT white:$\begin{pmatrix}X_{D\quad 50} \\Y_{D\quad 50} \\Z_{D\quad 50}\end{pmatrix} = {{M_{{HC}->{CRT}}^{- 1}{M_{{HC}->{CRT}}\begin{pmatrix}X_{D\quad 50} \\Y_{D\quad 50} \\Z_{D\quad 50}\end{pmatrix}}} = {M_{{HC}->{CRT}}^{- 1}\begin{pmatrix}X_{WPCRT} \\Y_{WPCRT} \\Z_{WPCRT}\end{pmatrix}}}$

Thus the CRT matrix that is corrected for CRT to hard copy willautomatically have the value of desired white point chromaticities,i.e., the same white point as that of the hard copy illuminant such asD50. This is equivalent to applying the white point correction matrix M₁⁻¹ to the CRT XYZ data upon which the CRT profile is based.

The remaining chromatic correction can simply be performed by applyingthe chromatic correction matrix M₂ ⁻¹ to the CRT matrix constructedabove using the uncorrected chromaticities for RGB and the correctedwhite point chromaticity values (e.g., D50). The advantage of thisapproach is that standard ICC generating tools can be employed toconstruct an uncorrected ICC profile for a CRT in which the desiredwhite point (e.g., D50) has been assumed. The resulting profile can becorrected in a simple manner by applying the chromatic correction matrixM₂ ⁻¹ to the matrix portion of the matrix/TRC profile. This simplecorrection, combined with setting the white point of the CRT to avisually accurate D50 white point, will result in a good visual matchbetween the CRT and hard copy.

EXAMPLE 3

The matrix M_(HC->CRT) is applied to the XYZ values for hard copy inorder to derive the corresponding values in XYZ for the CRT.$\begin{pmatrix}X_{CRT} \\Y_{CRT} \\Z_{CRT}\end{pmatrix} = {M_{{HC}->{CRT}}\begin{pmatrix}X_{HC} \\Y_{HC} \\Z_{HC}\end{pmatrix}}$Recall that the matrix for a CRT can be constructed from the combinationof chromaticity and white point values for the CRT.${M\left( {x_{r_{1}},y_{r_{1}},x_{g_{1}},y_{g_{1}},x_{b_{1}},y_{b_{1}},x_{wp},y_{wp}} \right)} = {{M_{c}\left( {x_{r_{1}},y_{r_{1}},x_{g_{1}},y_{g_{1}},x_{b_{1}},y_{b_{1}}} \right)}\begin{pmatrix}{Y_{r_{1}}\left( {x_{wp},y_{wp}} \right)} & 0 & 0 \\0 & {Y_{g_{1}}\left( {x_{wp},y_{wp}} \right)} & 0 \\0 & 0 & {Y_{b_{1}}\left( {x_{wp},y_{wp}} \right)}\end{pmatrix}}$Assuming that the above values for this matrix are constant, then a newmatrix can be defined based on the constants and corrections to theconstants.M(Δx _(r1) ,Δy _(r1) ,Δx ^(g1) ,Δy _(g1) ,Δx _(b1) ,Δy _(b1) ,Δx _(wp),Δy _(wp))==M(x _(r1) +Δx _(r1) ,y _(r1) +Δy _(r1) ,x _(g1) +Δx _(g1) ,y _(g1) +Δy_(g1),x_(b1) +Δx _(b1) ,y _(b1) +Δy _(b1) ,x _(wp) +Δx _(wp) ,y _(wp)+Δy _(wp))The M_(HC->CRT) matrix can then be created based on visual correctiontechniques.M _(HC->CRT) =M(Δx _(r1) Δy _(r1) ,Δx _(g1) ,Δy _(g1) ,Δx _(b1) ,Δy_(b1) ,Δx _(wp) ,Δy _(wp))M ⁻¹(0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0)

This final expression defines a single matrix that is a function ofvisual corrections to white point and the chromaticities. This singlematrix can be used to correlate XYZ values of hard copy to XYZ valuesfor a CRT.

Second Method Transformation

Thus far, first method transformation techniques have been described forachieving a visual match between CMYK hard copy images (viewed in acontrolled viewing environment such as a D50 light booth) andcorresponding images rendered to a CRT or LCD display in the form of RGBpixel data. The first method transformation described above with respectto FIGS. 1-5 performed an XYZ->X′Y′Z′ conversion by the use of a singlematrix in order to minimize errors in the XYZ observer functions whichare currently used as the standard calculation for derivingdevice-independent data, i.e., data that defines a unique colorregardless of whether the color is rendered and viewed via hard copyoutput or via emissive display.

While the first method transformation described above eliminates many ofthe perceived color errors between hard copy images and displays,perceivable errors may still remain. Therefore, a second additionalmethod of further refining the color transformation will now bedescribed. This second method transformation can be used either alone orin combination with the first method transformation described above toreduce even further these discrepancies without destroying the overallaccurate appearance of hard copy images that are simulated on thedisplay device.

In general, while the first method transformation described above wasindependent of the device coordinates on which the color is displayed,the second method transformation uses the device-independent XYZ colorcoordinates as well as a device-dependent display profile (RGB, forexample) associated with each XYZ color to produce a corrected outputX″Y″Z″. The chromatically corrected device-independent coordinate datathat results from the second method transformation can then be stored inthe appropriate look up table locations of the device-dependent displayprofile, or loaded into an XYZ->X″Y″Z″ abstract profile.

The second method transformation preserves the existing accurate graybalance and ensures that all adjustments vary linearly with linear RGBspace in a fashion similar to the correction matrix for convertingXYZ->X′Y′Z′ via the first method transformation.

The second method transformation may be used to chromatically correctthe colors of an output device, i.e., a display, for example, so thatthe image produced on the output device looks visually equivalent to theoutput of an imaging device, e.g., a printer. For example, FIG. 7A is aflow diagram illustrating a color transformation process according toanother embodiment including the second method transformation. As shownin FIG. 7A, a first set of device-dependent coordinates are converted todevice-independent coordinates (102). The device-independent coordinatesare then transformed using a device-dependent display profile of theoutput device (103). These transformed device-independent coordinatesare then converted to a second set of device-dependent coordinates(104). The process of FIG. 7A can be performed on all of the pixels in acolor image so that the output of a second imaging device, e.g., adisplay, looks visually equivalent to the output of a first imagingdevice, e.g., a printer.

FIG. 7B is a flow diagram illustrating one implementation of the processof FIG. 7A. As shown, the image data of a hard copy device-dependentCMYK image is converted from CMYK coordinates to device-independent XYZcoordinates (106). The XYZ coordinates are transformed using thedevice-dependent display profile to produce X″Y″Z″ (107). The X″Y″Z″coordinates are then converted to RGB coordinates (108) for presentationon a display device. In this manner, the output of a display deviceusing the RGB coordinates can be made to be visually equivalent to ahard copy printed with the CMYK coordinates.

The second method transformation may also be used in combination withthe first method transformation described above. For example, FIG. 8A isa flow diagram illustrating a color transformation process according toanother embodiment of the invention including both the first methodtransformation and the second method transformation. As shown in FIG.8A, a first set of device-dependent coordinates are converted todevice-independent coordinates (110). The device-independent coordinatesare then transformed via the first method transformation (111). Up tothis point, FIG. 8A is identical to the method shown and described abovewith respect to FIG. 1. However, the next step in the method of FIG. 8Ais to transform the device-independent coordinates again using adevice-dependent display profile according to the second methodtransformation (112). These twice transformed coordinates are thenconverted to a second set of device-dependent coordinates (113). Again,the process of FIG. 8A can be performed on all of the pixels in a colorimage so that the output of a second imaging device, e.g., a display,looks visually equivalent to the output of a first imaging device, e.g.,a printer.

FIG. 8B is a flow diagram illustrating one implementation of the processof FIG. 8A. As shown, the image data of a hard copy device-dependentCMYK image is converted from CMYK coordinates to device-independent XYZcoordinates (114). The XYZ coordinates are then transformed to X′Y′Z′(115). Next, the X′Y′Z′ coordinates are transformed using thedevice-dependent display profile to produce X″Y″Z″ (116). The X″Y″Z″coordinates are then converted to RGB coordinates (117) for presentationon a display device. In this manner, the output of a display deviceusing the RGB coordinates can be made to be visually equivalent to ahard copy printed with the CMYK coordinates.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a general process that can be implemented totransform device-independent coordinates using only the white pointcorrection of the first method transformation and using only the secondmethod transformation to chromatically correct the colors. As shown, awhite point is corrected (120) and then chromatic colors are correctedusing the second method transformation described below with respect toFIGS. 11-15 (122).

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of another general process that can beimplemented to transform device-independent coordinates using both thefirst method transformation and the second method transformationdescribed herein. As shown, a white point is corrected (124) and thenchromatic colors are corrected using the first method transformationdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 1-5 (126). The chromatic colorsthen undergo a second correction using the second method transformationdescribed below with respect to FIGS. 11-15 (128).

The white point correction (120, 126) for FIGS. 9 and 10 may be achievedusing the methods described above with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4.Similarly, the first chromatic colors correction (122) may be achievedusing the first method transformation described above with respect toFIG. 3 and FIG. 5.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the second method transformation (112) may,under certain circumstances, obtain more accurate color matching than ispossible using the first method transformation (111) alone. When used incombination with the first method transformation (111), second methodtransformation (112) provides for finer-grain adjustment ofdevice-independent coordinates to ensure that the color output on adisplay device, for example, looks substantially the same as the coloras printed on a printer.

To achieve this, the second method transformation transforms thedevice-independent coordinates using a device-dependent display profileassociated with the particular output device. For example, if the outputdevice is a CRT display, the RGB display profile associated with thatdevice is used to transform the device-independent coordinates. Asdiscussed above with respect to the first method transformation (FIG. 5)the second method transformation may be “theoretically” unnecessary dueto the widely-accepted CIE color equations. However, the generalbreakdown in color science discussed above mandates the use of eitherone or both of the first and second method transformations, especiallyin the field of soft proofing where accurate color matching is desiredand there is a significant difference in spectral properties between themedia, i.e., the display and the hard copy viewed with a D50 lightsource. Thus, the second method transformation, either alone or incombination with the first method transformation described above,compensates for color matching deficiencies that arise in theconventional XYZ transformations in the context of hard copy to softcopy matching.

The second method transformation for correcting the chromatic colors(122, 128) will now be described. Again, this second methodtransformation may be used with or without the first methodtransformation being performed on the chromatic colors. If used with thefirst method on the chromatic colors, the second method comprises asecond-order correction to the chromatic colors. However, if used as acorrection to the chromatic colors after the first method is simply usedto adjust the white point, the second method comprises a first-ordercorrection to the chromatic colors. As discussed in greater detailbelow, parameters of the technique may be selected depending on whetherthe technique is used as a first order correction or second ordercorrection on the chromatic colors.

In general, the second method transformation is a transformation ofdevice-independent coordinates using a device-dependent display profileassociated with the particular output device. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 9, the second method transformation correction to the chromaticcolors (122) would take as inputs the transformed device-independentcoordinates XYZ converted from the hardcopy CMYK coordinates, forexample, and output transformed device-independent coordinates X″Y″Z″using a device-dependent display profile. If the output device is a CRTdisplay, for example, the RGB display profile for that device would beused. For the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the second methodtransformation correction to the chromatic colors (128) would take asinputs the transformed device-independent coordinates X′Y′Z′ from thefirst method transformation (126) and output twice transformeddevice-independent coordinates X″Y″Z″ using a device-dependent displayprofile.

The second method transformation, like the first method transformation,preferably operates on a device-independent coordinate system thatscales linearly with the intensity of light that is stimulating theretina of the observer. Examples of device independent coordinatesystems that scale linearly with light intensity include tristimulusspace (XYZ), chromaticity space (Yxy) or other coordinate systems suchas u′v′. For simplicity, this general category of corrections will bereferred to as “chromaticity corrections”. These systems are not veryuniform visually and are very different from systems that are considered“color appearance models or CAMs” such as CIELAB and CIECAM97s. Theselatter systems typically apply highly non-linear shaping to values ofXYZ (or linear transforms of XYZ) that are normalized to a whitereference such as D50 light. For example, the CIELAB color space appliescube-root functions to the value of luminosity (Y) and calculates thedifferences between cube root functions of X, Y, and Z.

In this invention, the chromaticity corrections are performed piecewise.That is, each region of color in the visually non-uniform color spacehas a corresponding group of chromaticity corrections that are appliedonly within the boundaries of that region of color to obtain thecorrected color coordinates. For example, each primary color, such asred, green, and blue, has an associated group of primary chromaticitycorrections specific to that primary region of color. In addition, eachsecondary color, such as cyan, magenta and yellow, has an associatedgroup of secondary chromaticity corrections specific to that secondaryregion of color.

Each group of chromaticity corrections is applied only within theboundaries that define the corresponding region of color for that group.In this sense, the chromaticity corrections are applied piecewise in thecolor space to achieve the more accurate color matching result. Thus, ifcolor match for one particular region of color is acceptable, thechromaticity corrections in that region of color could be zero. Thesecond method transformation is therefore flexible in the sense that itallows selectivity in the amount of chromaticity correction applied ineach region of color.

The groups of chromaticity corrections can include several differentvariable adjustments to the chromatic colors. One type of chromaticitycorrection which may be applied are “correction levels”. The correctionlevels are applied piecewise within the non-visually uniform colorspace. That is, each region of color in the non-visually uniform colorspace has a set of corresponding correction levels that are applied onlywithin the boundaries of that region of color. The set of correctionlevels for each region of color correspond to the amount of correctionto the hue, saturation and brightness in that region of color requiredto achieve the desired match between a hard-copy images and theresulting display output. The correction levels can be determined usingan iterative optimization process like the one described above withrespect to the first method transformation and FIGS. 4 and 5. A moredetailed description of how the correction levels are determined isgiven below.

Another type of chromaticity correction that may be applied to obtainthe corrected color coordinates is a “correction factor”. The correctionfactor is defined as a piecewise linear correction function within eachregion of color. That is, each region of color in the non-visuallyuniform color space has a corresponding correction factor that isapplied only within the boundaries of that region of color. Thecorrection factor for each region of color is based on lineardevice-dependent coordinates associated with the particular device onwhich the image is to be displayed. For example, if the device is a CRTdisplay, the correction factors to be applied to the lineardevice-independent coordinates (i.e., visually non-uniform coordinates)in each region of color would be based on a piecewise linear correctionfunction of the linear device-dependent coordinates R_(L)G_(L)B_(L). Amore detailed description of how the correction factors are determinedis given below.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating the second method transformation.To perform the second method transformation, the chromaticitycorrections are first determined (130). The chromaticity corrections arethen applied to the device-independent coordinates to arrive at thecorrected values of X″Y″Z″ (132).

FIG. 12 shows another flow diagram illustrating the second methodtransformation. First, the correction levels necessary to improve theaccuracy of the chromatic correction are determined (134). Thecorrection levels can be determined using an iterative optimizationprocess like the one described above with respect to the first methodtransformation and FIGS. 4 and 5. For example, if the second methodtransformation is being performed after the first method transformation(see FIG. 9), the delta E error remaining after the first methodtransformation may be on the order of 5-10 delta E. In that case, thecorrection levels may be determined such that the error remaining afterthe second method transformation may be on the order of 1-2 delta E toeven further reduce any perceived differences between the hard copyimage and the displayed image. If the second method transformation isbeing performed alone, after correction of the white point (see FIG.10), the correction levels may be on the order of 3-5 delta E.

If the second method transformation alone is being used to correct thechromatic colors, the method shown in FIG. 4 is first used to correctthe white point. Then, a method similar to that shown in FIG. 5 is usedto determine the correction level for each of the display colors, whichcould include red, blue, green, cyan, magenta and yellow for a CRTdisplay device, for example.

If the second method transformation is being used in combination withthe first method transformation (FIGS. 8A and 8B), the correction levelis determined as discussed above using a method similar to that shown inFIG. 5. In this case, however, particular attention is focused on thoseclasses of images which were not adequately visually matched after thefirst method transformation. Through this iterative process, the desiredcorrection levels required to achieve a good visual match between thedisplayed image and the printed image are determined.

Next, correction factors for the chromatic colors of the display deviceare calculated using the device-dependent display profile (136). Thecorrection factors permit selective adjustment of the additive primarycolors (such as R, G, and B) as well as the secondary colors (such as C,M, and Y) that make up the chromatic colors for a display device. Thecorrection levels and the correction factors are then applied to thechromatic colors of the display device to produce the chromaticallycorrected colors (138).

FIG. 13 shows a more detailed flow diagram of the second methodtransformation. First, the correction levels necessary to improve theaccuracy of the chromatic correction are determined (144). Thecorrection levels permit localized adjustment to the hue (Δθ),saturation (ΔS) and brightness/luminosity (ΔL) of localized regions ofcolor. Thus, a set of three correction levels Δθ, ΔS and ΔL aredetermined for each of the primary colors red, green, blue and for eachof the secondary colors cyan, magenta, yellow that make up the chromaticcolors for the display device. Each set of correction levels is applied“piecewise”, that is, only within the corresponding region of color.

Referring now to FIG. 14, the three correction levels Δθ, ΔS and Δin anexample Yxy RGB color space 202 are shown. Δθ refers to the change inhue moving in an angular direction from one point in the color space toanother point in the color space. ΔS refers to change in saturation withvarying distance from the white point (W), with less saturated colorslying near the white point and with colors becoming more saturated asdistance from the white point increases. ΔL refers to the change inbrightness or luminosity moving in the Y direction (out of the plane ofthe paper).

Referring again to FIG. 13, the set of three correction levels Δθ, ΔSand ΔL can be determined (144) in various ways either in rectangular,polar, or cylindrical coordinates. In the embodiment illustrated anddescribed herein cylindrical coordinates are used. However, it shall beunderstood that the invention is not limited to any particularcoordinate system and similar results may be obtained using anycoordinate system known in the art of color science. Again, the threepotential adjustments include Δθ (angular corrections in x,y), ΔS(saturation corrections in x,y coordinates relative to the values of x,yof the white point) and Δ(luminosity adjustments to Y). The magnitude ofthe adjustments to Yxy scale linearly to zero as the value of the x,yapproaches the value of (x,y)_(wp), i.e., the white point, and theadjustments to Y must scale linearly as the value of Y approaches 0.Thus, there is a unique set of three correction levels to Yxy, Δθ, ΔS,and ΔL for each region of color in the device color space, i.e., a setof three corrections for R, G, B, C, M, and Y that are performed inchromaticity space.

For embodiments where the second method transformation is used incombination with the first method transformation (FIGS. 8A and 8B, forexample) the default values for Δθ, ΔS, and Δare 0 if the color matchingresults from the first method transformation for correcting XYZ->X′Y′Z′are sufficient. However, the second method transformation permits smallsecond order corrections (X′Y′Z′->X″Y″Z″) and thus more accurate colormatching to be achieved when the results produced by the first methodtransformation are not sufficient.

To determine the optimal correction levels for Δθ, ΔS, and ΔL, themagnitude and direction of the corrections can be estimated using amethod similar to that described in FIG. 5. For example, by correctingdisplay profile A->display profile A′ in the desired directions ofimprovement and then converting colors from the corrected displayprofile A′->display profile A. For example, if the user desires to shiftthe hue of the yellow towards red, a value of −0.03 can be used for Δθin the vicinity of yellow. If the user confirms that the desired resulthas occurred, the RGB profile of the display can be corrected in aninverse manner to ensure that images rendered to the screen will havethe desired red shift in the yellows. This can be accomplished byadjusting the display profile A with a value of Δθ in yellow that is+0.1 to provide the appropriate inverse correction.

Referring again to FIG. 13, linear device-dependent coordinates arecalculated from the raw device-dependent coordinates (146). If theoutput device is a CRT, for example, the linear device-dependentcoordinates for the device-dependent display profile are calculated sothat:RGB->R_(L)G_(L)B_(L).

These linear device-dependent coordinates are then us,ed to calculatethe correction factors as described below. To calculate the linearR_(L)G_(L)B_(L) values from the raw RGB values, the linearR_(L)G_(L)B_(L) data is calculated to be the corrected values of RGBthat achieve accurate predictions of XYZ when multiplied by theappropriate RGB->XYZ matrix as described above with respect to the firstmethod transformation. In the case of a CRT, linear R_(L)G_(L)B_(L)values are typically calculated by a form of gamma curve, i.e., R⁶⁵ ,where γ is approximately equal to 2. More complex functions such as thefollowing functions may result in greater accuracy or for LCD systems:R _(L) =f _(R)(R, α _(iR))G _(L) =f _(G)(G, α _(iG))B _(L) =f _(B)(B, α _(iB))Where f is the gamma function, R, G, and B are the relevant RGB valuesand α_(i) are the parameters used to describe the intensity function forthe particular channel, R, G, or B.

In one embodiment, the chromatic corrections to the device-independentcoordinates are applied in a piecewise fashion. Each unique set ofcorrection levels and each unique correction factor is applied piecewisein the corresponding specific region of color. In other words, the groupof chromatic corrections for a particular region of color are appliedonly when certain boundary conditions are satisfied (148). For example,referring now to FIG. 15, the region 204 associated with the primarycolor red is indicated by lines 206 and 208. This region satisfies theboundary condition:R_(L)>G_(L) and R_(L)>B_(L).

Again, the group of chromatic corrections corresponding to the region ofred (R) are only applied to the device-independent coordinates if theboundary conditions for that region are satisfied.

Similarly, each other primary color, i.e., green and blue, as well aseach secondary color cyan, magenta, and yellow have respective sets ofboundary conditions that can be defined as:Green: G_(L)>R_(L) and G_(L)>B_(L)Blue: B_(L)>R_(L) and B_(L)>G_(L)Cyan: G_(L)>R_(L) and B_(L)>R_(L)Magenta: B_(L)>G_(L) and R_(L)>G_(L)Yellow: R_(L)>B_(L) and G_(L)>B_(L).

As another example, the region 210 defined by the boundary conditionsfor the secondary color cyan (C=G+B) is also shown in FIG. 15.

Referring again to FIG. 13, the correction factors for each of theprimary colors and for each of the secondary colors are calculated usingthe device-dependent display profile (150). Each correction factor iscalculated as a piecewise linear correction function of the lineardevice-dependent coordinates. Thus, each region of color has its owncorresponding correction factor based on a piecewise linear correctionfunction. For example, the correction factor β_(R) for Yxy values in theregion of red can be defined as:$\beta_{R} = {\frac{\left( {R_{L} - {{G_{L} - B_{L}}}} \right)}{R_{L}}.}$

Similarly, the correction factors for the green and blue primary regionsof color can be defined as:$\beta_{G} = \frac{\left( {G_{L} - {{R_{L} - B_{L}}}} \right)}{G_{L}}$$\beta_{B} = {\frac{\left( {B_{L} - {{G_{L} - R_{L}}}} \right)}{B_{L}}.}$

In addition, the secondary correction factors for each of the secondarycolors cyan, magenta and yellow can be defined as: $\begin{matrix}{\beta_{C} = {1.0 - \frac{{G_{L} - B_{L}}}{\max\left( {G_{L},B_{L}} \right)}}} \\{\beta_{M} = {1.0 - \frac{{R_{L} - B_{L}}}{\max\left( {R_{L},B_{L}} \right)}}} \\{\beta_{Y} = {1.0 - {\frac{{G_{L} - R_{L}}}{\max\left( {G_{L},R_{L}} \right)}.}}}\end{matrix}$

The device-independent XYZ coordinates are next converted to cylindricalYxy coordinates (152). Then, the actual adjustment (Δxy) for each pointx,y in the color space is calculated (154). The values of Δ(xy) arecalculated relative to the white point (xy)N,v defined as follows:x=X/(X+Y+Z)y=Y/(X+Y+Z)Δx=x−x _(wp)Δy=y−y _(wp)

The correction levels, correction factors, and Δ(xy) are then applied inthe corresponding regions of color to produce corrected Y′x′y′coordinates (156). For example, the corrected values of Δ(xy) Δx′ andΔy′ and the recomputed Y′x′y′ in the region of red are defined by:Δx′=(1.0+β_(R) ΔS _(R))(Δx(1−(β_(R)Δθ)−Δyβ _(R)Δθ)Δy′=(1.0+β_(R) ΔS _(R))(Δxβ _(R) Δθ+Δy(1−(β_(R)Δθ)²))x′=x _(wp) +Δx′y′=y _(wp) +Δy′Y′=Y(1.0+β_(R) ΔL _(R)(Δx ² +Δy ²)^(1/2))

The above equations also apply to each of the other primary colorregions green and blue as well as to each of the secondary color regionscyan, magenta and vellow by substituting their respective correctionangle Δθ, saturation correction ΔS, luminance correction ΔL, andcorrection factor β.

Finally, the corrected Y′x′y′ coordinates are converted back to resultin the chromatically corrected device-independent coordinates X″Y″Z″(158).

The second method transformation may be used for scanner and digitalcamera profiling. Typically, there are many trade-offs between naturalappearance and gray balance for scanner and digital camera ICC profilesand the ability to convert RGB->XYZ or L*a*b* accurately for specificobjects in an image, such as a car or a box of detergent. A saturatedred or blue object may have inaccurate predictions of color that are 20ΔE or more. The second method transformation may permit adequatecorrection to be applied to a generic RGB profile for a scanner ordigital camera in order to preserve gray balance and good overall imageintegrity, while improving the predictive conversion of RGB->XYZ orL*a*b* for a specific object in an image of intense color.

EXAMPLE 4

The following excerpt of C++ code shows one example embodiment of amethod for determining a correction factor based on a device dependentdisplay profile. double crtModel::calcCorrFactor (const vRGB<double>&rgbVal,int corrColor) { double corrFactor; corrFactor = 0.0; if(corrColor == iRED) { if (rgbVal.r( ) > rgbVal.g( ) && rgbVal.r( ) >rgbVal.b( )) { corrFactor = (rgbVal.r( ) − abs(rgbVal.g( )−rgbVal.b()))/rgbVal.r( ); } else corrFactor = 0.0; } else if (corrColor == iGRE){ if (rgbVal.g( ) > rgbVal.r( ) && rgbVal.g( ) > rgbVal.b( )) {corrFactor = (rgbVal.g( ) − abs(rgbVal.r( )−rgbVal.b( )))/rgbVal.g( ); }else corrFactor = 0.0; } else if (corrColor == iBLU) { if (rgbVal.b( ) >rgbVal.g( ) && rgbVal.b( ) > rgbVal.r( )) { corrFactor = (rgbVal.b( ) −abs(rgbVal.g( )−rgbVal.r( )))/rgbVal.b( ); } else corrFactor = 0.0; }else if (corrColor = iCYAN) { if (rgbVal.g( ) > rgbVal.r( ) && rgbVal.b() > rgbVal.r( )) { corrFactor = 1.0 − abs(rgbVal.g( )−rgbVal.b())/max(rgbVal.g( ),rgbVal.b( )); } else corrFactor = 0.0; } else if(corrColor == iMAG) { if (rgbVal.r( ) > rgbVal.g( ) && rgbVal.b( ) >rgbVal.g( )) { corrFactor = 1.0 − abs(rgbVal.r( )−rgbVal.b())/max(rgbVal.r( ),rgbVal.b( )); } else corrFactor = 0.0; } else if(corrColor == iYELL) { if (rgbVal.r( ) > rgbVal.b( ) && rgbVal.g( ) >rgbVal.b( )) { corrFactor = 1.0 − abs(rgbVal.g( )−rgbVal.r())/max(rgbVal.g( ),rgbVal.r( )); } else corrFactor = 0.0; }return(corrFactor); }

EXAMPLE 5

The following excerpt of C++ code shows one example embodiment forcalculating a corrected X″Y″Z″ using a correction factor calculatedbased on a device-dependent display profile, for example, the correctionfactor obtained using the embodiment described in EXAMPLE 4. XYZcrtModel::correctXYZ(const XYZ& xyzVal,double theta,double sat, doubleYcorr, double corrFactor) { XYZ retXYZval; double xValOld, yValOld,xDeltaValNew, yDeltaValNew, xDeltaValOld, yDeltaValOld,xD50,yD50,xValNew,yValNew,Y_old,Y_new; double corrTheta,corrSat,corrY;corrTheta = theta*corrFactor; corrSat = 1.0 + sat*corrFactor; corrY =Ycorr*corrFactor; Y_old = xyzVal.y( ); xValOld = xyzVal.x( )/(xyzVal.x()+xyzVal.y( )+xyzVal.z( )); yValOld = xyzVal.y( )/(xyzVal.x( )+xyzVal.y()+xyzVal.z( )); xD50 = xyzD50White.x( )/(xyzD50White.x( )+xyzD50White.y()+xyzD50White.z( )); yD50 = xyzD50White.y( )/(xyzD50White.x()+xyzD50White.y( )+xyzD50White.z( )); xDeltaValOld = xValOld − xD50;yDeltaValOld = yValOld − yD50; xDeltaValNew =corrSat*(xDeltaValOld*(1-corrTheta*corrTheta) − yDeltaValOld *corrTheta); yDeltaValNew = corrSat*(xDeltaValOld*corrTheta +yDeltaValOld * (1− corrTheta*corrTheta)); xValNew = xD50+xDeltaValNew;yValNew − yD50+yDeltaValNew; Y_new = Y_old * (1.0 + corrY *sqrt(xDeltaValOld*xDeltaValOld + yDeltaValOld*yDeltaValOld));retXYZval.x(xValNew * Y_new/yValNew); retXYZval.y(Y_new);retXYZval.z((1−xValNew−yValNew) * Y_new/yValNew); return(retXYZval); }

It shall be understood that the snippets of C++ code shown in EXAMPLE 4and EXAMPLE 5 are for illustrative purposes only, and that the presentinvention is not limited to the particular implementations giventherein.

A number of implementations of the present invention have beendescribed. For instance, color transformation techniques have beendescribed for transforming device-independent coordinates based on adevice-dependent display profile to facilitate color matching. One ormore implementations may be practiced with or without other colorimaging techniques to realize soft proofing. Nevertheless, it will beunderstood that various modifications may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention. For instance, the transformationtechniques may be implemented to improve color matching between any twoimaging devices. The transformation techniques may also be implementedto improve color matching between two printers or between two displays.

In addition, rather than performing a manual and iterative optimizationto determine the optimal correction levels of the angle, saturation, andluminance for RGBCMY, these values may be automatically calculated by anerror minimizing routine.

These and other modifications can be made to the description above.Accordingly, other implementations and embodiments are within the scopeof the following claims.

1. A method comprising applying selective chromaticity corrections todevice-independent coordinates using at least one piecewise linearcorrection function.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the piecewiselinear correction function operates on linear device-dependentcoordinates associated with an output device.
 3. The method of claim 1further comprising: providing a group of piecewise linear correctionfunctions, each group corresponding to a different region of color in adevice-dependent coordinate space associated with an output device; andapplying each group of piecewise linear correction functions to thedevice-independent coordinates in the corresponding regions of color toperform chromaticity corrections to the device-independent coordinates.4. A method comprising applying selective chromaticity corrections todevice-independent coordinates that define colors in a visuallynon-uniform color space, wherein the chromaticity corrections are basedon linear correction functions of linear device-dependent coordinates,and wherein the chromaticity corrections are applied todevice-independent coordinates in a piecewise fashion between colorboundaries to produce chromatically corrected device-independentcoordinates.
 5. A method, comprising: determining a correction levelbased on desired changes in saturation, hue and brightness for chromaticcolors of a device-dependent color space associated with a displaydevice; calculating a correction factor based on a linear correctionfunction associated with the display device; and applying the correctionfactor and the correction level to device-independent coordinates thatdefine chromatic colors of a printing device to produce chromaticallycorrected device-independent coordinates.
 6. The method of claim 5further comprising displaying the chromatic colors using thechromatically corrected device-independent coordinates on the displaydevice.
 7. The method of claim 5 wherein calculating the correctionfactor further comprises calculating a piecewise linear correctionfunction of linear device-dependent coordinates.
 8. The method of claim7 wherein the linear device-dependent coordinates are linear RGBcoordinates.
 9. The method of claim 7 further comprising: calculating agroup of piecewise linear correction functions, each group correspondingto a different region of color; and applying each group of piecewiselinear correction functions to the device-independent coordinates in thecorresponding regions of color.
 10. A method comprising: convertingdevice-dependent coordinates that define a color in a printing device todevice-independent coordinates; applying chromaticity corrections to thedevice-independent coordinates based on a linear correction function ofdevice-dependent coordinates associated with the printing device toproduce corrected device-independent coordinates; and converting thecorrected device-independent coordinates to device-dependent coordinatesthat define a color in a display device associated with thedevice-dependent display profile.
 11. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising displaying the color using the corrected device-dependentcoordinates on the display device.
 12. The method of claim 11, whereinthe displayed color is visually equivalent to the color on a hard copyprinted by the printing device.
 13. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising correcting the white point for the display device.
 14. Themethod of claim 10, wherein applying chromaticity corrections to thedevice-independent coordinates comprises: calculating primary correctionfactors corresponding to each primary region of color of the displaydevice based on the linear correction function of device-dependentcoordinates; calculating secondary correction factors corresponding toeach secondary region of color of the display device based on the linearcorrection function of device-dependent coordinates; applying eachprimary correction factor to the device-independent coordinates in thecorresponding primary regions of color; and applying each secondarycorrection factor to the device-independent coordinates in thecorresponding secondary regions of color of the device-independentcoordinates.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: determiningprimary correction levels corresponding to each primary region of color;determining secondary correction levels corresponding to each secondaryregion of color; applying each primary correction level to thedevice-independent coordinates in the corresponding primary regions ofcolor; and applying each secondary correction level to thedevice-independent coordinates in corresponding secondary regions ofcolor.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the primary correction levelsand the secondary correction levels each comprise adjustments to thehue, saturation, and brightness for corresponding primary and secondaryregions of color of the device-independent coordinates.
 17. A systemcomprising: a display device; and a processor coupled to the display,wherein the processor applies selective chromaticity corrections todevice-independent coordinates using at least one piecewise linearcorrection function.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the piecewiselinear correction function operates on linear device-dependentcoordinates associated with an output device.
 19. The method of claim 17further comprising: providing a group of piecewise linear correctionfunctions, each group corresponding to a different region of color in adevice-dependent coordinate space associated with an output device; andapplying each group of piecewise linear correction functions to thedevice-independent coordinates in the corresponding regions of color toperform chromaticity corrections to the device-independent coordinates.20. A system comprising: a printing device; a display device; and aprocessor coupled to the printing device and the display device, whereinthe processor: converts device-dependent coordinates that define a colorin the printing device to device-independent coordinates; applieschromaticity corrections to the device-independent coordinates based ona linear correction function of device-dependent coordinates associatedwith the printing device to produce corrected device-independentcoordinates; and converts the corrected device-independent coordinatesto device-dependent coordinates that define a color in a display deviceassociated with the device-dependent display profile.
 21. A systemcomprising: a display device; a memory device; and a processor coupledto the display device and the memory device, wherein the processor:receives a first set of image data from the memory device defining afirst visual representation of an image on a hard copy; creates a secondset of image data defining a second visual representation of the imagefor display on the display device based on a linear correction function;and displays the image on the display.
 22. A computer-readable mediumcontaining instructions for causing a processor to: receive a whitepoint correction for a display device; determine chromaticitycorrections to device-independent coordinates corresponding to eachregion of color in a device-dependent coordinate space based on lineardevice-dependent coordinates; apply the white point correction to thedevice-independent coordinates; and apply the chromaticity correctionsto the device-independent coordinates in the corresponding regions ofcolor to obtain corrected device-independent coordinates.
 23. Acomputer-readable medium containing instructions for causing a processorto: convert device-dependent coordinates that define a color in aprinting device to device-independent coordinates; applying chromaticitycorrections to the device-independent coordinates based on a linearcorrection function of device-dependent coordinates associated with theprinting device to produce corrected device-independent coordinates; andconvert the corrected device-independent coordinates to device-dependentcoordinates that define a color in a display device associated with thedevice-dependent display profile.
 24. The computer-readable medium ofclaim 23 further containing instructions for causing a processor tocalculate correction factors corresponding to each region of color thatare piecewise linear correction functions within the correspondingregions of color.
 25. The computer-readable medium of claim 24 whereinthe each piecewise linear correction function operates on the lineardevice-dependent coordinates within the corresponding region of color.26. The computer-readable medium of claim 25 wherein the lineardevice-dependent coordinates comprise linear RGB coordinates.
 27. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 23 wherein the device-independentcoordinates comprise linear device-independent coordinates.
 28. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 27 wherein the device-independentcoordinates comprise coordinates in tristimulus space.
 29. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 27 wherein the device-independentcoordinates comprise coordinates in chromaticity space.
 30. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 23 wherein the regions of color in thedevice-dependent coordinate space comprise red, green, blue, cyan,magenta and yellow.
 31. A method comprising: obtaining a white pointcorrection for a display device; obtaining a first chromatic correctionfor the display device by determining a chromatic correction matrix;generating first corrected device-independent coordinates based on thewhite point correction and the first chromatic correction; determining asecond chromatic correction to the first set of correcteddevice-independent coordinates based on a linear correction function;and applying the second chromatic correction to the first correcteddevice-independent coordinates to produce second correcteddevice-independent coordinates.